In this review

Advice for buyers

What should I look for in a used Hyundai i10 hatchback?

Being a city car, you should check any potential purchase carefully for parking damage, dings in the doors and wings, and scuffs on the bumpers. And don’t forget to examine wheels, wheel trims and tyre sidewalls for any kerb damage sustained during ham-fisted parking manoeuvres.

There have been a few isolated reports of rust spots on early Hyundai i10s, so watch out for this on any prospective purchase, although it’s by no means common.

While the i10 is no luxury car, many models do sport a surprising number of gadgets, so take your time to check that they all work. Does the air conditioning blow cold, does the central locking work properly from the remote and do the rear electric windows work?

Like many city cars, the i10 may well have been used extensively on the school run and to transport children around town, so check the rear seat area hasn’t suffered unduly and that the seats haven’t been damaged or marked by the careless installation of child seats.

What are the most common problems with a used Hyundai i10 hatchback?

All three engines appear to be standing up well with no particular problems rearing their ugly heads, although some owners have noted engine noise when starting from cold after not having used the car for a while, probably due to the oil draining away from the hydraulic lifters.

Of more concern are reports that clutches can be somewhat fragile, with many owners complaining either of clutch judder or clutches becoming worn out and slipping at lower than expected mileages. Check the clutch operation carefully when road-testing a potential purchase – the pedal should not bite too high and second gear in particular should engage cleanly. Proving premature clutch wear to be a manufacturing defect can be notoriously difficult, so don’t assume this will be a warranty repair if your car is still covered by the five-year warranty.

Stereos have also proven problematic, either refusing to remember stored radio stations or failing altogether, and rear brakes can seize after a lack of use on earlier models.

Is a used Hyundai i10 hatchback reliable?

Hyundai as a manufacturer scored an above-average nineth out of 31 car brands in the 2018 What Car? reliability survey – a fine result. Generally speaking, it has very few faults and owners are more than satisfied.